UFC action returns to the company’s perennial home of the Apex this weekend. Currently hosting a twelve-fight card, some of the action might be overlooked. Here we look at some of the key fighters to watch out for at UFC Fight Night: Strickland Vs Magomedov.
Kevin Lee
Returning to the UFC after a one-fight stint in Khabib’s Eagle FC. Lee makes his second debut for the UFC against feared Russian welterweight Rinat Fakhretdinov (21-2). His last performance was a unanimous decision victory over the ageing Diego Sánchez. Lee has jumped straight back in at the deep end.
Fakhretdinov is an extremely tough test for Lee, who last competed in the UFC just under two years ago. The Russian looks to play spoils and extended his exceptional 16-fight winning run.
For Lee, this is an excellent opportunity to prove he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Leaving the UFC previously after losing four of his last five. UFC Fight Night: Strickland Vs Magomedov could see the ‘Motown Phenom’ reintroduce himself with a bang.
Michael Morales
Ecuador’s Michael Morales is a problem at welterweight. 14-0 as a professional, the South American sensation continues to prove he has what it takes to take a seat at the table of the elite.
After an impressive showing on DWCS in late 2021. Morales has made it two from two in the UFC thus far. Finishing both Trevin Giles and Adam Fugitt via strikes. On Saturday, he’ll take on his toughest challenge to date as he faces battle-tested Max Griffin.
An opportunity for Morales to push the top 15. Griffin is a mainstay of the welterweight division having competed inside the octagon since 2016. A win over Griffin for Morales will see him challenge for a ranking very soon. At just 24, this is an integral opportunity to show how high his ceiling is.
Benoit Saint-Denis and Ismael Bonfim
Both men competing in this lightweight bout are worth keeping an eye on. With France’s Saint-Denis looking to make it three-in-a-row at his new home of 155. Brazil’s Ismael Bonfim looks to build on his breathtaking debut flying knee knockout from January.
Saint-Denis is as tough as they come. Having made three walks to the octagon thus far. The man from France has shown many attributes needed to go far in the MMA world. 10-1 as a professional, his only loss came in a gutsy display at welterweight in a UFC debut loss to Elizeu Zaleski.
Bonfim captivated the masses after his stunning debut. Delivering a KO of the year contender against fellow prospect Terrance McKinney. Many are excited to see what’s next for the lightweight Bonfim brother. With a record of 19-3 at just 27, Ismael Bonfim might be a name we hear for a while.
Two extremely willing dance partners expect the unexpected when the cage door closes behind these two men. Both are well-versed in all aspects of mixed martial arts. They boast a combined 23 finishes so don’t blink.
Who are your must-watch fighters competing at UFC Fight Night: Strickland Vs Magomedov?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
